Edinburgh might be the jewel in Scotland’s crown, but it’s also the perfect springboard for day trips that pack a punch. Think castle-hopping, seaside sipping, and waterfall walks – all within a couple of hours of the city. Whether you’re after history, whisky or wild landscapes, there are some truly brilliant day trips from Edinburgh to suit every taste.

Discover the scenic view of a small village with white houses by a river, reminiscent of things to do in Dunkeld, surrounded by autumn trees and hills under a clear blue sky.
Dunkeld in Autumn

I’m Hazel, a British travel blogger who commutes regularly between London and Edinburgh. Over the years, I’ve made it my mission to explore every village, ruin, and beach within a day’s reach of the city.

Here’s my shortlist of the best day trips from Edinburgh – the ones I’d actually recommend to friends (and not just because I’ve got a cute photo from them).

St Andrews & the Fife Coast ⛳

Charming streets, castle ruins, royal romance and… golf. St Andrews is a day trip classic for a reason.

A person in a green coat stands smiling in front of a historic stone building with tall windows, surrounded by a garden with colorful flowers.
The image shows the ruins of a medieval stone abbey with a tall, narrow tower against a cloudy sky. Two people are walking nearby on the grass.

Explore the university where Wills met Kate (that’s where I’m standing in the photo above), climb through cathedral ruins, and wave at golfers on the legendary Old Course.

It’s also got one of the best beaches in Scotland (and yes, that’s the one from Chariots of Fire).

Make a day of it by swinging past the fishing villages of the East Neuk of Fife. Places like Anstruther and Crail are basically postcards brought to life. (Approx. 1 hr 30 mins drive from Edinburgh.)

👉 Read more: Brilliant Things to do in St Andrews, Scotland.

Dunbar & the Bridge to Nowhere 🌉

Dunbar’s where rugged coastline meets laid-back seaside town.

A person stands on a walkway near Belhaven Bridge, a popular spot in Dunbar, at a rocky beach under the clear blue sky.
Ruins of a stone structure with grass-covered rocks and a bench in the foreground. A seagull flies above under a partly cloudy sky.
Belhaven Bridge and Dunbar Castle

It’s got dramatic cliffs, a tumbledown castle, and John Muir Country Park – perfect for a coastal wander.

Belhaven Bay is the showstopper though, especially when the tide’s high and Belhaven Bridge turns into the Insta-famous “Bridge to Nowhere.”

You’ll also find puffins, surfing (if you’re brave), and plenty of sea air. (Approx. 40 mins drive from Edinburgh, or 25 mins by train.)

👉 Read more: 10 Best Things to Do in Dunbar, Scotland (By Someone Who’s Been!)

Dunkeld & the Hermitage 🌲🏞️

Dunkeld is peak storybook Scotland, all riverside cottages, ruined cathedrals, and tweed jackets.

A stone bridge with multiple arches spans a wide river at Dunkeld surrounded by lush greenery and trees under a cloudy sky.
A small waterfall flows through rocks surrounded by dense, green forest. A stone wall with an iron rail is in the foreground.
Dunkeld, and a waterfall on the Hermitage

It’s small but mighty, and pairs perfectly with a wander through The Hermitage – a magical forest trail featuring towering Douglas firs and a thundering waterfall.

This is one of my favourite autumn escapes, especially when the leaves go full gold-and-crimson drama. (Approx. 1 hr 45 mins drive from Edinburgh.)

👉 Read more: 12 Best Things to Do in Dunkeld, Scotland’s Riverside Gem.

North Berwick & Tantallon Castle 🐦

Cute cafés, golden beaches, puffin-spotting boats, and a ruined cliff-top castle? Yes, please. North Berwick is Edinburgh’s chic beach escape.

A small harbor in North Berwick with several docked boats and sailboats, surrounded by stone walls and a crowded pier in the background. Cloudy sky overhead.
Ruins of a coastal cliffside castle under a blue sky, with grassy foreground and ocean in the background.
North Berwick harbour and Tantallon Castle

Stroll the harbour, swing by the Scottish Seabird Centre, grab some traditional Scottish seafood, or just plonk yourself down with an ice cream and people-watch.

Tantallon Castle is a dramatic bonus – think Game of Thrones vibes with sea spray. And it’s all just 40 minutes by train or an hour’s drive from Edinburgh.

👉 Read more: From Bass Rock to Ice Cream: 11 Fun Things to Do in North Berwick.

Rosslyn Chapel & the Scottish Borders 🕍🌿

Rosslyn Chapel is one of those places that feels straight out of a fantasy novel. Intricate stone carvings, mystical history, and enough Da Vinci Code lore to keep conspiracy theorists buzzing for days.

Rold chapel ruins in Roslin, Scotland.
Peebles Old Parish Church with a tall clock tower surrounded by green trees under a cloudy sky.
Rosslyn Chapel and Peebles Church

From there, it’s a short hop to the Borders – home to abbey ruins, hill walks, and more tweed than you thought possible. Melrose and Peebles are both ridiculously pretty (and great for a post-hike cake). (Rosslyn is 30 mins by car from Edinburgh. Melrose approx. 1 hr 15 mins.)

👉 Read more: Great Things to do in Peebles, Scottish Borders.

Pitlochry & the Whisky Stop 🥃

If you’re craving lochs, theatre, and a dram of something peaty, Pitlochry delivers. It’s got forest walks, a riverside theatre, and the adorable Edradour Distillery – one of the smallest traditional distilleries in Scotland.

Scenic landscape in Pitlochry with a clock tower, trees, and rooftops, set against a backdrop of misty hills and forests.
A white building with a sloped roof and red accents sits on a hill near a small creek, surrounded by greenery and a white fence.
Pitlochry and Edradour Whisky Distillery

It’s also a popular stop on Highland tours if you fancy a guided adventure further north. (Approx. 1 hr 45 mins drive from Edinburgh.)

👉Read more: 16 Cool Things to do in Pitlochry, Scotland, UK.

Stirling for Braveheart Vibes ⚔️

Stirling is all about big battles and royal drama.

Stirling Castle on a hill in Scotland
Stirling Castle

Tour the mighty Stirling Castle, hike up to the Wallace Monument, and wander cobbled streets that whisper medieval secrets.

It’s a compact city with loads of history and some epic views over the surrounding hills.

(Approx. 1 hr drive or 50 mins by train from Edinburgh.)

Linlithgow & Falkirk – Ruins and Robots🏛️

Linlithgow Palace is straight-up stunning – a roofless ruin on a loch where Mary Queen of Scots was born. It’s atmospheric, photogenic, and super easy to reach by train.

Aerial view of Linlithgow Castle in Scotland
Falkirk wheel in the daytime - a boat lift in Scotland hailed as an architectural marvel.
Linlithgow Castle and Falkirk Wheel

Pair it with nearby Falkirk to see the Kelpies (massive horse-head sculptures) and the futuristic Falkirk Wheel. History and engineering, all in one go.

(Linlithgow is 30 mins, Falkirk 45 mins from Edinburgh by car or train.)

Perthshire Forests & Waterfalls 🌳

Not one single place, but a whole region that’s practically tailor-made for autumn walks and romantic road trips.

Waterfalls in a forest with green leaves and autumnal season.
Waterfall in the Moness gorge at the Birks of Aberfeldy

Think Aberfeldy, the Birks (a leafy gorge with waterfalls), and countless spots for whisky tasting or lazy pub lunches.

If you’re renting a car and want a proper breath of fresh air, this is your route.

(Aberfeldy is approx. 1 hr 50 mins from Edinburgh.)

Map of Day Trips from Edinburgh 🗺️

Here’s a Google Map with all my favourite day trip destinations pinned for you. Open it on your phone, save it, and pretend you’re the world’s most organised traveller. (You are.)

FAQs for Day Trips from Edinburgh 💡

A few quick answers to help you plan your adventures from the city:

How far can you go on a day trip from Edinburgh?

You can easily explore places within 2 hours of Edinburgh – from the Highlands to the Borders, coast to countryside.

What’s the best day trip for history lovers?

Stirling and Rosslyn Chapel are both packed with fascinating history and famous faces (looking at you, Mary Queen of Scots).

Are there good day trips from Edinburgh by train?

Yes! North Berwick, Stirling, Linlithgow, and Dunbar are all quick and easy by rail.

What’s the best coastal day trip from Edinburgh?

North Berwick is the classic – easy to reach, full of charm, and you might even spot a puffin or two.

Any good day trips from Edinburgh for whisky lovers?

Pitlochry is a top pick for its scenic Edradour Distillery. Aberfeldy also offers whisky tasting in a picture-perfect setting.

Final Thoughts on Day Trips from Edinburgh ✨

There’s so much to see beyond the cobbled closes and castle spires of the capital.

Whether you’re craving sea air, castle drama or forest wanders, these day trips from Edinburgh offer the perfect escape – no suitcase required. Pack snacks, bring a camera, and go exploring.

Below are some posts related to this article about day trips from Edinburgh.

🏰 Things to Do in Edinburgh, Scotland.
🍂 Wonderful Things to Do in Dunkeld.
🎓 Brilliant Things to Do in St Andrews.
🐦 Lovely Things to Do in North Berwick.
✨ Magical Harry Potter Locations in Scotland.
🌊 Glorious Things to Do in Dunbar.
🌲 Cool Things to Do in Pitlochry.

Pinterest Pins – Day Trips from Edinburgh 📌

If you’ve enjoyed this guide or want to save it for later, feel free to pin one of the graphics below to your Pinterest boards. Or share it with your travel buddies so they stop asking you what to do outside the city!

A close-up of a highlighted section of a map of Scotland, focusing on Edinburgh, with the text “Day Trips from Edinburgh” at the top and a website URL at the bottom.
Bridge over water with "Day Trips from Edinburgh" text overlay at the top. "Scotland, UK" and website URL hazelstravels.co.uk are at the bottom. Skies are partly cloudy.

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